The Audi R8, a vehicle that redefined the concept of a “sensible supercar” since its debut in 2007, has officially concluded its illustrious journey. The final example of this revered sports car recently left the production line at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe plant, near Stuttgart, marking the end of an era for the German automaker. Over 17 years, Audi has produced nearly 44,000 R8s, including both coupé and spyder variants, cementing its legacy in the automotive world.
The R8’s journey, while never characterized by high-volume sales, was defined by the respect and admiration it garnered. In its prime year of 2008, production hit just over 5,000 units. However, its influence extended far beyond numbers, thanks in part to the potent V-10 engine it shared with its corporate sibling, the Lamborghini Huracán. Initially set to conclude in the previous year, a late surge in interest propelled Audi to produce 1,591 units of the 2023 model, significantly more than in 2022.
This last unit is a Performance Quattro Edition, equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 engine delivering 602 horsepower and 413 ft lbs of torque. This powertrain, combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, enables the R8 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph.
However, that particular last R8, not pictured, won’t have the opportunity to showcase its performance on the roads or racetracks. Instead, Audi has chosen a more dignified retirement for the final R8, allocating it to the Audi museum in Ingolstadt. There, it will serve as a testament to the innovation and engineering excellence that Audi has championed through the R8’s production run.
As Audi turns the page on the R8 chapter, the automotive community bids farewell to a model that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts and critics alike. While there’s no immediate successor in sight, the legacy of the Audi R8 will undoubtedly continue to influence the brand’s future direction and inspire the next generation of sports cars.
Shawn Henry
[…] Audi’s exploration into hybrid supercar technology, initiated under the guidance of former R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer, has finally been revealed with the Skorpion concept now on public display at the August Horch Museum in Zwickau, Germany. The project, which was closely guarded and never officially announced, illustrates what could have been Audi’s step above the celebrated R8. […]